Prevalence Of Chronic Bronchitis Research Articles

Associations between ethylene oxide exposure and chronic bronchitis: results from the NHANES 2013–2018

IntroductionEthylene oxide (EtO) is a reactive gas commonly used in the production of various chemical compounds. Research has linked EtO exposure to respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. However, its potential effects on chronic bronchitis (CB) remain unclear, highlighting the need for further study to understand its role in respiratory health.MethodsOur study investigated data from 5,044 NHANES participants between 2013 and 2018 across three 2-year survey cycles. The relationship between HbEtO and CB was examined using weighted logistic regression, with HbEtO quartiles analyzed to assess the trend. A smoothed curve was fitted to verify the relationship between HbEtO and CB. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of our results, while subgroup analyses explored potential effect modifiers of the HbEtO-CB association.ResultsCompared with patients without CB, patients with CB had elevated HbEtO levels. Specifically, natural Log2HbEtO levels were linked to a greater prevalence of CB in a fully adjusted model (OR = 1.243, 95% CI: 1.143–1.352). Analysis of Log2HbEtO quartiles showed a significant trend in Q4 compared with Q1 (p for trend < 0.001). The fitted smoothed curve indicated a U-shaped nonlinear association, with saturation and threshold analysis revealing an inflection point at Log2HbEtO = 4.87. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and subgroup analyses identified consistent associations across various groups.ConclusionOur study found a significant association between EtO exposure and the occurrence of CB. Given the health risks linked to EtO exposure, implementing effective control measures is essential. Such actions could help lower CB prevalence and enhance respiratory health in vulnerable populations.

The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases and declined lung function among foundry workers.

Foundry workers are occupationally exposed to a variety of inhalable chemical substances. Occupational exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes can lead to adverse health effects on the respiratory system and cause chronic respiratory diseases, such as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Research on respiratory symptoms, diseases, and lung function in foundry workers over the past few decades has been limited. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases and declined lung function of current foundry workers, ex-foundry workers, and unexposed controls. We assessed respiratory symptoms, diseases, and lung function among 335 current foundry workers, 64 ex-foundry workers, and 161 unexposed controls. The cumulative dust exposure (mg-y) of each participant was calculated, and the median cumulative dust exposure according to the main places of exposure was determined. A higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis, as reported in a questionnaire, was found among current and ex-foundry workers compared to unexposed controls, even after adjusting for pack-years of smoking (p = 0.009). Additionally, cough and wheezing in adulthood without respiratory infection, and chronic rhinitis symptoms were more common among current and ex-foundry workers compared to unexposed controls. These differences remained significant even after adjusting for pack-years of smoking and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively). Impaired lung function was more prevalent among both ex-foundry workers (29.7%) and current foundry workers (15.5%) compared to the unexposed controls (8.7%), with the difference remaining significant even after adjusting for the pack-years of smoking and BMI (p = 0.009). According to the questionnaire, the number of physician-diagnosed cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis was unexpectedly low compared to the indications from the symptom questionnaire and lung function test results, suggesting a potential underdiagnosis. The prevalence of silicosis was low (0.8%) among current and ex-foundry workers. Respiratory symptoms are common among foundry workers. Current and ex-foundry workers exhibited lower lung function in spirometry compared to unexposed controls. There is a potential underdiagnosis of COPD and chronic bronchitis among foundry workers.

Clinical significance of chronic bronchitis in different racial groups

BackgroundsLimited data are available on racial differences in the clinical features of chronic bronchitis (CB) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we aimed to compare clinical features among CB patients of different races. We also analyzed the clinical significance of CB, defined classically and based on the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), to validate the CAT-based definition.MethodsWe analyzed patient data extracted from the Korean COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) cohort (2012–2021) and US Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) study (2008–2011). We compared clinical characteristics among CB and non-CB patients of three different races using two CB definitions.ResultsIn this study, 3,462 patients were non-Hispanic white (NHW), 1,018 were African American (AA), and 1,793 were Asian. The proportions of NHW, AA, and Asian patients with CB according to the classic definition were 27.4%, 20.9%, and 10.7%, compared with 25.2%, 30.9%, and 23.0% according to the CAT-based definition, respectively. The risk of CB prevalence was highest in NHW and lowest in Asian COPD patients. Among all races, CB patients were more likely to be current smokers, have worse respiratory symptoms and poorer health-related quality of life (HrQoL), and to have decreased lung function and exercise capacity. Most of these characteristics showed similar associations with the outcomes between the two definitions of CB. A binominal regression model revealed that CB patients of all races had an increased risk of future exacerbations according to both CB definitions, except for Asian patients with classically defined CB.ConclusionsThe presence of CB was associated with worse respiratory symptoms, HrQoL, exercise capacity and lung function, and more exacerbations, regardless of race or CB definition. The CAT-based definition may be more useful for assessing the risk of future exacerbations in Asian COPD patients.

Electronic cigarette use and respiratory symptoms in the French population-based Constances cohort

BackgroundKnowledge about the consequences of electronic cigarette (EC) use on respiratory health is still limited. We aimed to assess whether EC use is associated with the occurrence of asthma symptoms and chronic bronchitis among the French adult population, with a specific focus on never combustible cigarettes (CC) smokers. We further investigated whether the association differed in men and women. MethodsConstances is a population-based cohort of adults aged 18–69 years at inception. We analyzed baseline data collected in 136,276 participants recruited in 2015–2019. Associations of current and former EC use with respiratory symptoms (asthma symptom score and chronic bronchitis) were assessed, controlling for CC smoking, cannabis use, demographics, education and body mass index (BMI). ResultsIncreased frequencies of respiratory symptoms were observed in both current and former EC users (for the asthma symptom score, adjusted mean score ratio (aMSR): 1.34 [95 % confidence interval: 1.28−1.41] and 1.39 [1.33−1.45], respectively; for chronic bronchitis, adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.27 [1.19−1.36] and 1.40 [1.32−1.48], respectively). Among never CC smokers, ever EC use was associated with an increased asthma symptom score in both men and women (aMSR = 1.44 [1.09−1.90] and 1.36 [1.01−1.83], respectively), and with a higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis only in women (aPR = 1.97 [1.27−3.05]). ConclusionEC use is associated with symptoms of asthma and chronic bronchitis, independently of CC smoking and cannabis use. The fact that these associations are observed among individuals who have never smoked tobacco adds further evidence of the deleterious effects of EC on respiratory health.

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function impairment among textile industry workers in Alexandria, Egypt.

Occupational exposure to cotton dust is still an important cause of respiratory problems in textile workers particularly in less developed countries like Egypt. Evaluate respiratory symptoms and diseases, and pulmonary function pattern among Egyptian textile workers. Cross sectional comparative study was conducted from December 2019 to September 2020 in a textile factory in Egypt; 364 male workers (184 cotton dust exposed workers, and 180 unexposed workers) were included. Participants were subjected to an interviewing questionnaire, British Medical Research Council questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function tests, and byssinosis grading format. Descriptive and analytic statistics were conducted. Chronic cough, phlegm production, and shortness of breath grade I, II and III were more reported in cotton dust exposed workers than unexposed workers (P#x003C;0.01, P#x003C;0.01, and P=0.02, respectively). Prevalence of chronic bronchitis was significantly higher among cotton dust exposed workers (12%) than unexposed workers (3.9%) (P#x003C;0.01). The mean percent predicted values of lung function indices reflecting large-1irway function (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEFR, and FEF75) were significantly lower in cotton dust exposed workers (P#x003C;0.01). Prevalence of byssinosis was 22.8%. Workers with byssinosis had significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, cross-shift reduction in PEFR and significant decrease in mean percent predicted values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF75, and FEF50 than workers without byssinosis. This study revealed a substantial association between cotton dust exposure at work and respiratory symptoms and morbidity. Regular measurement of cross shift change in PEFR is recommended among exposed workers for early diagnosis of byssinosis.

Adverse Health Effects (Bronchitis Cases) Due to Particulate Matter Exposure: A Twenty-Year Scenario Analysis for the Greater Athens Area (Greece) Using the AirQ+ Model

It is well known that air pollution has a negative impact on human health. Research has shown an increasing trend in hospital admissions due to respiratory and heart diseases during and after consecutive days of high or even medium air pollution levels. The objective of this paper is to provide quantitative and qualitative data concerning the impact of long-term air pollution on the health of residents living in the Greater Athens Area (GAA). More accurately, the prevalence of bronchitis in children and the incidence of chronic bronchitis cases in adults due to particulate matter exposure are estimated utilizing the AirQ+ model. For this purpose, daily average concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 μm (PM10) from five different locations within the GAA, covering the period 2001–2020, are used. The results show a significant correlation between PM10 concentrations and adverse health effects (R2 = 0.9). Interestingly, there were more cases of children suffering from bronchitis disease than cases of adults. In addition, it was observed that the unhealthiest areas in the GAA are the center of Athens city (mean annual PM10 concentration in 2019: 36 μgr/m3), as well as suburban areas (Lykovrissi and Marousi: mean annual PM10 concentrations in 2019 were 27 μgr/m3 and 28 μgr/m3, respectively). Finally, a decreasing trend for both PM10 concentrations and the prevalence of chronic bronchitis across the GAA was observed through the examined 20 years, which was significantly higher over the period 2010–2020.

EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT FOR PREVALENCE OF LUNG RELATED DISEASES IN COTTON OPERATIVES (GINNERS)

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This study was conducted on exposure assessment for the prevalence of lung related diseases in cotton ginners. The study included 75 subjects in the age groups of 15–65 years from similar socio-economic status. Fifty subjects were exposed to cotton dust, while 25 were not exposed. The pulmonary function test, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was performed to diagnose the presence of any lung related disorder. The decrease in PEFR showed an obstructive impairment. PEFR values of exposed subjects (M = 272.80 SD = 95.94) were compared with the unexposed subjects (M = 545.00 SD = 101.55). The difference between the two groups was significant, t(df) = -11.360, p = 0.000. The main results revealed that the subjects exposed to cotton dust had more respiratory disorders than unexposed subjects (p&lt;0.01). The prevalence of chronic bronchitis, occupational asthma, inhalation fever, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cough were 42%, 18%, 34%, 6% and 80%, respectively among the exposed vs (0%) among unexposed. It was concluded that 52% cotton ginners had all types of byssinosis while no lung related diseases prevailed among the unexposed subjects.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Chronic bronchitis in the practice of a family doctor

Chronic bronchitis is the most common chronic nonspecific lung disease (CNSLD). The prevalence of chronic bronchitis in the Russian Federation ranges from 10 to 20%, and the increase in the incidence of chronic nonspecific lung diseases is 6–7% for the urban and 2–3% for the rural population per year. The recent increase in the incidence of bronchitis in most countries of the world is associated with air pollution with dust particles and gases, the popularity of smoking, and allergies of the population. The article tells about the modern principles of diagnosis and treatment of chronic bronchitis. Particular attention is paid not only to the optimal choice of antibiotic therapy for infectious exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (CB), but also to the role of topical antibacterial drugs (ABD) in this case. The basic points outlined in the article can be useful for general practitioners and pulmonologists who are faced with this disease.

Contribution of smoking change to 45-year trend in prevalence of chronic bronchitis in Finland.

Tobacco smoking has been identified as the most important risk factor of chronic bronchitis. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of smoking to the trends in prevalence of chronic bronchitis among men and women in Finland. For this purpose, we analysed questionnaires included in national FINRISK and FinHealth studies conducted between 1972 and 2017 in 5-year intervals. A total of 26,475 men and 28,684 women aged 30-59 years were included in the analysis. In addition to smoking, age and socioeconomic status were used as risk factors in the logistic regression model. Smoking in Finland has declined from 51% to 23% in men between 1972 and 2017. In women, it increased from 11% in 1972 to 23% in 2002, with a following decrease to 16% in 2017. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis has generally followed the trend of smoking. The population attributable risk was 60% in men and 49% in women. A decrease in chronic bronchitis was observed in male never-smokers. Smoking is currently declining in Finland in both men and women. As result, the prevalence of chronic bronchitis is declining and it is approaching baseline independent of smoking. The decrease in never-smokers has yet to be explained.

Symptomatic smokers without COPD have physiological changes heralding the development of COPD.

BackgroundCOPD is a major health problem, mainly due to cigarette smoking. Most studies in COPD are dedicated to fully developed COPD in older subjects, even though development of COPD may start soon after smoking initiation. Therefore, there is a need to diagnose this “early disease” by detecting the initial events responsible for ultimate development of COPD.MethodsMeasurement of maximum mid expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity (MMEF) in a routine spirometry, which detects small airways disease, was used to investigate if MMEF abnormalities in smokers without COPD (noCOPD) would relate to respiratory symptoms and identify smokers that might progress to COPD. For this purpose we studied 511 smokers, 302 COPD and 209 noCOPD, followed long term with spirometry including MMEF, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), 6-min walk test (6MWT), Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale and COPD Assessment Test. Three spirometries V1,V2 and V3 (5±2.5 and 10±4 years apart from V1) were performed to assess functional decline and development of COPD.Results65% of noCOPD had an abnormal MMEF (<80%) and 38% an abnormal DLCO. The NoCOPD with MMEF <80% group performed worse in the 6MWT (p=0.01), was more dyspnoeic (p=0.01) and had higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis than the noCOPD with MMEF>80% group (p=0.04). 21% of noCOPD with MMEF <80% and 2.7% with MMEF>80% developed COPD by V3 (p=0.0004).ConclusionsThe MMEF, a functional test available in a routine spirometry, can detect early lung abnormalities and identify the subset of symptomatic smokers with pathological changes that might lead to COPD.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis in eight countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis in eight countries in South Asia through a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE® Complete, Web of Science, Embase®, Scopus, CINAHL and reference lists of screened studies for research on the prevalence of COPD and chronic bronchitis in South Asian countries published between January 1990 and February 2021. We used standardized diagnostic criteria for definitions of COPD and chronic bronchitis. Two reviewers undertook study screening, full-text review, quality appraisal and data extraction.FindingsOf 1529 studies retrieved, 43 met the inclusion criteria: 32 provided data from India; four from Bangladesh; three from Nepal; two from Pakistan; and two from both India and Sri Lanka. Twenty-six studies used standardized diagnostic definitions and 19 were included in the meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of COPD was 11.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 7.4–14.8%), using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease fixed criteria and 8.0% (95% CI: 5.6–10.4%) using the lower limit of normal criteria. The prevalence of COPD was highest in north India (19.4%) and Bangladesh (13.5%) and in men. The estimated pooled prevalence of chronic bronchitis was 5.0% (95% CI: 4.1–6.0%) in India and 3.6% (95% CI: 3.1–4.0%) in Pakistan.ConclusionIncluded countries have a high prevalence of COPD although it varied by geographical area and study characteristics. Future research in South Asia should use standardized diagnostic criteria to examine the contribution of setting-specific risk factors to inform prevention and control strategies.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Have a Lower Prevalence of Airflow Obstruction than Non-Hispanic Whites

Racial and ethnic disparities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not well-studied. Our objective was to examine differences in limited COPD-related outcomes between three minority groups—African Americans (AAs), Hispanics, and American Indians (AIs) versus non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), as the referent group, in separate cohorts. Separate cross-sectional evaluations were performed of three US-based cohorts of subjects at risk for COPD: COPDGene Study with 6,884 NHW and 3,416 AA smokers; Lovelace Smokers’ Cohort with 1,598 NHW and 378 Hispanic smokers; and Mining Dust Exposure in the United States Cohort with 2,115 NHW, 2,682 Hispanic, and 2,467 AI miners. Prebronchodilator spirometry tests were performed at baseline visits using standard criteria. The primary outcome was the prevalence of airflow obstruction. Secondary outcomes were self-reported physician diagnosis of COPD, chronic bronchitis, and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score. All minority groups had a lower prevalence of airflow obstruction than NHWs (adjusted ORs varied from 0.29 in AIs to 0.85 in AAs; p < 0.01 for all analyses). AAs had a lower prevalence of chronic bronchitis than NHWs. In our study, all minority groups had a lower prevalence of airflow obstruction but a greater level of self-reported dyspnea than NHWs, and covariates did not explain this association. A better understanding of racial and ethnic differences in smoking-related and occupational airflow obstruction may improve prevention and therapeutic strategies.

Prevalence of chronic bronchitis against a background of abdominal obesity in young people aged 25–44 in Novosibirsk

Aim . To study the prevalence of chronic bronchitis (CB) against the background of abdominal obesity (AO) in young people aged 25–44 in Novosibirsk. Materials and methods . A simultaneous population survey of the population of 25–44 year-olds in Novosibirsk was carried out. The study included 906 people (414 men and 492 women). AO was recorded with a waist circumference of more than 94 cm in men and more than 80 cm in women. CB was recorded according to standardized epidemiological (questionnaire, pulmonary questionnaire) and functional (spirometry) criteria. Results. The prevalence of AO and CB in the population was 42.9% and 8.7%, respectively; in men 43.2% and 7.7%; in women 42.7% and 9.6%. The prevalence of CB against the background of AO in the population was 1.95 times higher ( p = 0.003) compared with individuals with CB without AO (OR = 2.08 [CI 1.302–3.333]). In women, the prevalence of CB against the background of AO was 2.15 times higher ( p = 0.005) compared with women with CB without AO (OR = 2.35 [CI 1.267–4.359]). The prevalence of CB in smokers in the population was 1.65 times higher ( p = 0.015) compared with non-smokers (OR = 1.72 [CI 1.081–2.739]). In male smokers, the prevalence of CB was 2.02 times higher ( p = 0.031) compared with non-smoking men (OR = 2.15 [CI 1.020–4.514]). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that in people aged 25–44, the presence of CB is associated with smoking [Exp(B) = 1.966, p = 0.006] and the presence of AO [Exp(B) = 2.091, p = 0.003]. Conclusion . Significant effects of AO and smoking on the development of CB in the population of 25–44 year-olds as a whole were revealed. At the same time, in men aged 25–44, the relative risk of developing CB is significantly affected by smoking, and in women aged 25–44, by the presence of AO.

Chronic bronchitis in the 50-year follow-up of the European cohorts of the Seven Countries Study: prevalence, mortality and association with cardiovascular diseases

ObjectivesTo study prevalence of chronic bronchitis (CB) in residential populations and its relationship with mortality in a 50-year follow-up. Material and methodsIn the late 1950's-early 1960's, 7047 men aged 40–59 years were enrolled in 10 European cohorts of the Seven Countries Study (in Finland, the Netherlands, Italy, Serbia and Greece). After baseline examination, follow-up for mortality was extended during 50 years (45 year in the Serbian cohorts). Prevalence of CB, and 50-year mortality from CB and other major causes of death were used as end-points to identify their determinants using multivariate models. ResultsPrevalence of CB was directly associated with smoking habits and inversely associated with high socio-economic status (SES), forced expiratory volume in ¾ sec (FEV) and the ratio FEV/vital capacity (VC). Fifty-year mortality from CB was directly predicted by CB prevalence (from a minimum hazard ratio [HR] 2.35, 95% confidence limits [CI] 1.70–3.24, to a maximum HR 3.01, CI 2.18–5.20, depending on diagnostic criteria and different models) and age, and inversely by high SES, FEV and FEV/VC. The same applied in models predicting mortality from coronary heart disease (HR for prevalent CB: 1.53, CI 1.24–1.88), major cardiovascular diseases (HR 1.43, CI 1.23–1.67) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.48, CI 1.34–1.64) all adjusted for age, high SES, smoking habits and FEV. ConclusionsCB is strongly associated with major cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality while FEV and FEV/VC seem to carry at least partly an independent role from CB in predicting long-term mortality.

Prevalence of respiratory disorder in the Northern population of Gujarat

Introduction: Diseases of respiratory tract are non curable diseases; however there can be increase in quality of life of individual with different types of treatment which leads to major air passages dilatation and shortness of breath improvement is achieved. It was in this context that the current study was undertaken to know the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in a rural area of Gujarat District in West India among people aged 20 years and above. Material and Methods: the individual above the age of 20 years in the selected area and who agreed to participate in the study were included in the study. A sample size of 1900 were included in the study. There was administration of modified British medical research council to all the individuals included in the study for the diagnosis of bronchial asthma cases and chronic bronchitis. Results: There were 1000 males and 900 females in the study. Majority of the population were in the age range of 20 – 39 years. The crude prevalence of chronic bronchitis was estimated to be 5.64% for males as compared to 2.23% for females. The prevalence of bronchial asthma in the current study was estimated at 2.10%. Discussion & Conclusion: The reason for the higher prevalence found in the present study is the probable, the majority of the individuals did not use the cleaner fuels in the domestic kitchens. This is found to be common practise in the rural kitchens of North Gujarat. Keywords: Gujarat, Population, Prevalence, Respiratory Disorders.

Assessment of chronic bronchitis and risk factors in young adults: results from BAMSE.

BackgroundChronic bronchitis is associated with substantial morbidity among elderly adults, but little is known about its prevalence and risk factors in young adults. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and early-life risk factors for chronic bronchitis in young adults.MethodsQuestionnaire data and clinical measures from the 24-year follow-up of the Swedish BAMSE (Child (Barn), Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiological) cohort were used. We assessed chronic bronchitis (CB) as the combination of cough and mucus production in the morning during winter. Environmental and clinical data from birth and onwards were used for analyses of risk factors.ResultsAt the 24-year follow-up, 75% (n=3064) participants completed the questionnaire and 2030 performed spirometry. The overall prevalence of CB was 5.5% (n=158) with similar estimates in males and females. 49% of CB cases experienced more than three self-reported respiratory infections in the past year compared to 18% in non-CB subjects (p<0.001), and 37% of cases were current smokers (versus 19% of non-CB cases). Statistically significant lower post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity were observed in CB compared to non-CB subjects (mean z-score −0.06 versus 0.13, p=0.027). Daily smoking (adjusted (a)OR 3.85, p<0.001), air pollution exposure (black carbon at ages 1–4 years aOR 1.71 per 1 μg·m−3 increase, p=0.009) and exclusive breastfeeding for ≤4 months (aOR 0.66, p=0.044) were associated with CB.ConclusionChronic bronchitis in young adults is associated with recurrent respiratory infections. Besides smoking, our results support the role of early-life exposures, such as air pollution and exclusive breastfeeding, for respiratory health later in life.

Prevalence of respiratory diseases in relation to smoking rate in adults living in four Chinese cities: a comparison between 2017– 2018 and 1993–1996

BackgroundThe sustained high prevalence of smoking in China has contributed substantially to the burden of chronic diseases, including respiratory diseases. This study compared the prevalence of smoking and respiratory diseases in Chinese adults between two time periods spanning over 25 years.MethodsCross-sectional surveys were performed in four Chinese cities of Chongqing, Lanzhou, Wuhan, and Guangzhou in 1993–1996 (Period 1) and in 2017–2018 (Period 2). Participants completed questionnaires asking smoking status, the presence of asthma and chronic bronchitis, education attainment and household characteristics. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios of disease prevalence with regard to active smoking status for men and passive smoking status for women.ResultsPrevalence of asthma, prevalence of chronic bronchitis, and smoking rate, all decreased from Period 1 to Period 2. We observed strong evidence that active smoking increased prevalence for both asthma and chronic bronchitis in men during Period 1, with spatial heterogeneity and modifying effect by college-level education. Home exposure to passive smoking was associated with increased odds of having chronic bronchitis among female participants in Chongqing during Period 2, although the association was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe prevalence for asthma and chronic bronchitis were lower in 2017–2018 compared to 25 years ago in the same four Chinese cities. Decreased smoking rate may have contribution to the improvement of these respiratory diseases. Male smokers, especially those without college-level education, showed higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis compared to nonsmokers during Period 1.

Prevalence of Chronic Bronchitis and Respiratory Health Profile of a Population Exposed to Wood Smoke in Nicaragua.

Background.Household air pollution (HAP) is one of the most important environmental risk factors worldwide associated with chronic respiratory diseases.Objectives.The present study focused on respiratory health in a population with high wood smoke exposure in Nicaragua.Methods.We employed a cross-sectional study with 213 participants. Data on the prevalence of chronic bronchitis (chronic bronchitis), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, including respiratory scores and pulmonary function tests, were documented. The role of risk factors for chronic bronchitis was analyzed.Results.We found a high prevalence of chronic airway diseases in the population exposed to wood smoke. A higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis was found in persons serving as primary cooks in households. Further confounding factors for chronic bronchitis included age, a prior diagnosis of asthma, inhalational allergies and lower socioeconomic status. Respiratory scores were elevated in individuals with chronic bronchitis.Conclusions.This is one of the first studies in a wood smoke-exposed population in Nicaragua showing a high prevalence of chronic bronchitis and COPD with an emphasis on the analysis of personal and environmental risk factors. Further studies are needed to address which combination of interventions is most efficient for ameliorating respiratory health hazards.Participant Consent.ObtainedEthics Approval.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Luebeck, Germany (reference number 12-214), and by the Ethics Committee of the Department of Medical Sciences at National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, Managua, Nicaragua.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Association of birthplace and occupational exposures with chronic bronchitis in US Hispanics/Latinos, 2008–2011

ObjectivesIn the US, chronic bronchitis (CB) is common and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Data on CB in the Hispanic/Latino population—a large, diverse US minority—are scarce. We aimed...

Incidence and Longitudinal Changes in Prevalence of Chronic Bronchitis in Farm and Non-Farm Rural Residents of Saskatchewan.

To assess the predictors associated with incidence and longitudinal changes in the prevalence of chronic bronchitis (CB) among farm and non-farm residents of rural Saskatchewan, Canada. The Saskatchewan Rural Health Study was a prospective study of the lung health of rural dwellers. We obtained information on 4624 households, 8261 individuals (2797 households, 4867 individuals) at baseline (follow-up). Incidence of CB was 4.3% over 4 years. The prevalence was 6.4% and 5.3% (baseline) and 12.1% and 9.2% (follow-up) in non-farm and farm residents, respectively. The prevalence of CB was associated with current smokers; father ever had lung trouble; obesity; mother smoked during pregnancy; allergic reaction to cats and to pollen; household income inadequacy and age. Prevalence and incidence of CB in rural people appear to be a complex mix of personal and contextual factors.